The Gathering Place : Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Authors
Lucas, Kerry E.
Advisor
Chiuini, Michele
Issue Date
1998
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B. Arch.)
Department
College of Architecture and Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Architecture may be manipulative, in the sense that it creates spatial boundaries, but I hope that here it will instead be a means of discovery, enlightenment. and of offering. Mostly, may it remind people of their dignity and significance.The phrase, 'community architecture," for the purpose of this thesis is an ideal, which has been developed throughout the design process and is brought out in the final design presentation. Community architecture here is about people, and the buildings or spaces that affect them individually and collectively. The real needs of people are the issues in community design. Such architecture must be aimed to discover and meet those needs and to stress the importance of natural human desires for comfort, security, and individual significance. Architecture can lend significance to people by providing place - a destination, a habitation, a thing to be owned, and image - a positive visual reference to the people who are associated with the architecture. This significance attached to people through architecture may be negative, positive, or neutral. This thesis attempts to provide a positive place, The Gathering Place, for the people of Over-The-Rhine, a historic neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. Through that place, a positive image is provided for the building users as a group and to each of them as an individual, whether those individuals are residents, employees, customers or passing pedestrians.Good community architecture should provide joints where connections can be made to the larger communities surrounding the environment of a place. The Gathering Place is significant not only for its purpose in serving its users, but also because it is part of the neighborhood and city beyond. True community can be as small as the relationship between to people or as large as the social and cultural identity of a city and this thesis spans issues across the depth of that reality. Common purpose and identity are major connecting factors for people in community. Consider political parties, union organizations, professional companies, and even families. All of these community groups are characterized by their relationships and common interests. Residential communities may be organized around those same issues in order to connect the people they have been established for.In Over-The-Rhine, there is a history, which is deeply ingrained in many community members and connects them as part of a common past There is also a community image in Over-The-Rhine, shared by all associated with the neighborhood. Socially, this image has tended to be negative and the architecture has gradually declined to reflect this in some areas. This thesis is example of a means to reverse the declining trend and foster a positive community spirit in Over-The-Rhine. The Gathering Place designed is a mixed-use facility, with twenty-one apartments, a small grocery, a cafe, studio space and an outdoor recreation area. It is an architectural representation of the positive atmosphere of the neighborhood's present It does not shun or segregate the many people who are surrounded by unfortunate financial and social circumstances in Over-The-Rhine. Rather, it addresses real needs and brings dignity to the people and the neighborhood.